MS HB736

Creates the Mississippi Connecting Rural Places Study Committee to study broadband access and develop a plan to reach all rural areas in Mississippi by 2020

Committee must report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2015, for consideration during the 2016 Regular Session

Consists of 15 members appointed by the Speaker of the House (2), Lieutenant Governor (2), Public Service Commissioners (3, one from each), and Governor (1 representative from Mississippi Broadband Connect Coalition)

Appointments must be made within 30 days after the 2015 Regular Session ends, with the organizational meeting to follow within 30 days thereafter

State agencies and political subdivisions are required to provide facilities, assistance, and data to support the committee's work upon request